The blog covers releases in the areas of free and mainstream jazz, world music, "art" rock, and the blues. Classical coverage, which was originally here, continues on the Gapplegate Classical-Modern Review (see link on this page). Where are we right now and how did we get here? That's the concern.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

John Vanore & Abstract Truth, Culture

Philly based John Vanore writes some beautiful charts. . . probably nowhere more so than on his new, fourth album with the large band Abstract Truth, Culture (Acoustical Concepts 47). There is a good variety of music on this offering, from a nice big-band rethinking of Shorter's "Footprints" to a reworking of a piece by classical composer Frederico Mompou. In between there's some formidable original charts by John, including "Easter Island Suite."

The band has power, precision, and finesse. There is good soloing that is out front pretty often, from John on trumpet and Bob Howell on tenor, among various others.

This is heavy-hitting fully modern big band music from a tight organization. They are seriously advancing the big-band cause with some excellent music. Definitely recommended!

About Me

I am a life-long writer, musician, composer and editor. I wrote for Cadence for many years, a periodical covering jazz and improv music. My combined Blogspot blogs (as listed in the links) now cover well over 3,000 recordings in review. It's been a labor of love. The music is chosen because I like it, for the most part, so you won't find a great deal of nastiness here. I have no affiliations and gain nothing from liking what I do, so that makes me somewhat impartial. I do happen to like a set of certain musics done well, so it's not everything released that gets coverage on these blogs. I have six volumes of compositions available on amazon.com. Just type in "Grego Applegate Edwards" to find them. I went to music and higher education schools and got degrees. It changed my life and gave me the ability to think and write better. I've studied with master musicians, too. The benefits I gained from them are invaluable. I appreciate my readers. You are why I write these reviews. I hope the joy of music enriches your life like it does mine. Thank you. And thank you to all the artists that make it possible.